The seven deeply spiritual young New York men who called themselves 'Seven' and became 1999 Harmony Sweeps Champs now are called Naturally 7 were often asked, 'What is it you're doing?' Instead of answering, they wrote a song: 'What Is It?' which became the title of their second CD. If the first ('Non-Fiction,' on PAC Records) was still highly jazzful and musicologically composed, the second offers a new quality of pop music, striking sparks as soon as you hear it, with an organic fizz to it. Naturally Seven summon up soul, rap, rock and folk from their throats in harmonious balance; their repertoire consists half of their own compositions, half of cover versions. At first listen, we were certain that the group had gone top 40 and was using a hot soul band, until we read the disclaimer 'All Sounds A Cappella, all musical sounds crated by the human voice.' Listen to the title tune, the Kool & The Gang-flavored 'I Wanna Be Where U.R. (Rescue Me),' or 'No Fool For You,' and you'll hear the a cappella envelope being seriously pushed. 14 songs, hard to pick favorites, but a funky 'Broken Wings' cover, 'Another You,' 'Get Ready,' 'Say You Love Me,' 'Closer,' 'Back to the Essence' and 'Grace' work for us. The fact that for several years the group has been been busy creating a huge following in Germany, Switzerland and Japan is our loss in the US. One of the best, most influential CDs of the year, on many levels, Beautiful and extensive liner notes.

Listen to What Is It? in RealAudio.